Tennis elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) is a soft tissue injury that affects the outside of the elbow and forearm.  Tennis elbow in Wichita results from small tears in the tendons that connects the forearm muscles to the bones in the elbow.  These tears are often the result of repetitive bending and straightening of the elbow like you do with racquet sports, hammering, painting, weightlifting, etc.  These tiny tears in the tendons can cause inflammation, swelling, pain on the outer area of the elbow and down the arm and limited range of motion.  If left untreated, this can lead to a weakened grip strength.

The good news is, tennis elbow rarely requires surgery.  If you stay committed to resolving your tennis elbow through natural ways, you can get great results.

3 Natural Solutions for Tennis Elbow in Wichita

1. RICE Method (Rest/Ice/Compression/Elevate) – The first step in treating your tennis elbow at Optimal Wellness is to rest it from the activity that is aggravating it or causing it in the first place. Ice is also helpful within the first 24-28 hours after swelling begins. Ice for 15-20 minutes and then remove ice for 1 hour and repeat.  You can also try wrapping the elbow with a wrap or a brace and elevate to reduce swelling.
2. Perform Exercise – Unless we are talking about a severe case, it is important to move your arm or elbow to help break up adhesions or stiffness within the joint. It will heal much faster if you don’t immobilize the joint.
   1. Eccentric Wrist Stretch – Rest you forearm on table, palm up, with your wrist hanging off the table.  Hold a small weight (5lbs) in your hand and slowly drop and lift your wrist.  Perform 3 reps of 10.
   2. Forearm Stretch – Hold your affected arm out in front of you, palm down.  Use your unaffected arm to slowly push down on the fingers on your affected side until you feel a stretch.  Hold for 30 seconds.  Repeat 3 times.
   3. Grip Strengthening – Hold a tennis ball in your hand and slowly squeeze and release.  Start by squeezing for 3 seconds and work up to 10 seconds.

3. Graston Technique – At Optimal Wellness in Wichita we use Graston Technique to break up adhesion or scar tissue that form in the forearm. We can use metal instruments to rub or scrap over the affected area to restore proper healing and range of motion in the soft tissue.

If you would like to know more about how we can help treat tennis elbow or other conditions, please contact us at Optimal Wellness in Wichita at (316) 425-1911.